Interactive illustration system, interactive animation system, and methods of use

ABSTRACT

An interactive illustration system, interactive animation system, and methods of use are presented. The present disclosure reveals an illustration and/or narrative and/or geometric figure in subsequent layers so that a user can be surprised by the coloring and engaged by the stimulus of the surprise created by the experience. The present disclosure relates to an interactive coloring system and animation system having gamification elements and interactive graphical features. More specifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates to interactivity and gamification in the coloring game genre.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 17/187,748 which was filed on Feb. 27, 2021, whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, includingany figures, tables, or drawings.

Additionally, the present application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/062,312 which was filed on Aug. 6,2020 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/152,713 which wasfiled on Feb. 23, 2021, which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety, including any figures, tables, or drawings.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to an interactive illustrationsystem, interactive animation system, and methods of use. Morespecifically, and without limitation, the present disclosure relates toan interactive coloring system with gamification elements andinteractive graphical features. More specifically, and withoutlimitation, the present disclosure relates to interactivity andgamification in the coloring game genre.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

At least a portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office patent files and/or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to thesoftware and data as described below and in the drawings that form apart of this document: Copyright Richard R. Rosser. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Coloring books are old and well known in the art. A coloring book is acollection of images which contain lines on white and/or black paper,traditionally. In this way, a user would fill in sections of images withvarious colors, creating a unique design. In this way, a coloring bookprovides a user with a way to create a unique piece of art work withoutthe sophistication of a seasoned artist. In other words, kids and otherscan practice various motor skills and create a fun creation using acoloring book.

Typically, and historically, a color book or coloring book is a type ofbook containing line art or figures in which a user adds color to shapesusing various coloring tools. These coloring tools may include pencils,colored pencils, shading pencils, crayons, markers, marker pens, paintbrushes, paint, and the like.

A traditional coloring book is printed on paper and will be bound muchlike a book is. In this way, a coloring book may also tell a story,involve games, involve mazes, and/or other puzzles, or provide otherinteractions for users, users being of varying ages. Similarly, some ofthe pages may have perforated edges, such that pages may be easilyremoved from the book before or after the coloring has been completed.In this way, the completed coloring may be easier with the page removedor the page may be removed for display.

Coloring books are known for their educational purposes. Commonly atoddler or young person will complete a coloring book or page to developmotor skills, as well as other developmental skills. Additionally,coloring books are known for many other health and therapeutic usesincluding educational, hand-eye rehabilitation and/or maintenance,stress reduction, and the like.

The present disclosure provides a new, modern take on some of thefavorite features of entertainment and strengthening of mental acuity(including development and maintaining skills). The present disclosureprovides a novel, interactive system and methods of use which includegamification elements. Thus, the present disclosure provides the stateof the art with modern, more enjoyable, systems designed to engage usersfor entertainment, mental development, motor skill and functionaldevelopment, therapeutic purposes, relaxation assistance, rehabilitationfunctionality, and hand-eye coordination maintenance and practice skillsfor injured, trauma, and/or aging users, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a new, modern take on someof the favorite features of entertainment and strengthening of mentalacuity (including development and maintaining skills). The presentdisclosure provides a novel, interactive system and methods of use whichinclude gamification elements. Thus, the present disclosure provides thestate of the art with modern, more enjoyable, systems designed to engageusers for entertainment, mental development, motor skill and functionaldevelopment, therapeutic purposes, relaxation assistance, rehabilitationfunctionality, and hand-eye coordination maintenance and practice skillsfor injured, trauma, and/or aging users, and the like.

In this way, the present disclosure provides a system and method of usewhich provides a beneficial activity for children; an activity thataccelerates the mental development as well as in the development of finemotor skills. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a system andmethod of use which aids in the development of creativity of children aswell as causes stimulation in creativity in children.

In this way, the present disclosure provides a system and method of usewhich provides a beneficial activity for adults; an activity thataccelerates mental development as well as in the development andmaintenance of fine motor skills. Furthermore, the present disclosureprovides a system and method of use which aids in the development ofcreativity of adults who may have suffered trauma. Additionally, thepresent disclosure provides a system and method of use that reducesstress and anxiety levels in adults.

In this way, the present disclosure provides a system and method of usewhich provides a beneficial coloring activity for aging citizens;various methods of use within provide activity that aids in stimulatingthought and keeping minds and memories sharp. Mental maintenance and/ormental development as well as in the development and maintenance of finemotor skills and maintenance of these skills. Furthermore, the presentdisclosure provides a system and method of use which aids in themaintenance and development of creativity of aging citizens who may havesuffered trauma. Additionally, the present disclosure provides a systemand method of use that reduces stress and anxiety levels in agingcitizens and/or users who may have suffered trauma.

In this way, the present disclosure provides a system and methods of usewhich provide a novel system which utilizes coloring games to performthese functions and more. In this way, the present disclosure offers asystem of coloring games which both entertain, strengthen physically,and mentally the user.

Thus, it is a primary object of the present disclosure to provide aninteractive illustration system, interactive animation system, andmethods of use to provide entertainment, physical skill development, andmental development, with real time interactions and functionality, thatprovides a novel system for the state of the art in addition toimproving upon the state of the art.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat brings interactivity to an interactive coloring game.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides gamification in an interactive coloring game.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides acceleration in development of fine motor skills inchildren.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for a creativity stimulus in children.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat keeps the mind sharp for a user.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides stress relief for adults.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides anxiety relief for adults.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for color layering during a coloring sequence.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides animated playback.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides instant gratification for a user.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for animation creation.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for music and sound effects.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides calming through soundscapes.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat is shareable amongst users through various forms of connectivity,including internet, cellular connection, bluetooth, and the like.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides prompts for a user.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides acceleration in brain development.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides maintenance for brain functionality.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provide calming influence.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for layering, revealing, and animation, along withanimation playback at any level of the layering and coloring sequences.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides image layering.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides animated sequence playback.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides subsequent layer revealing as layers are completed.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for three-dimensional shaping.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides shading.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides layering.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides three-dimensional geometrics.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides duplication.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides surprises with subsequent reveals.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides storytelling.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for erasing.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for cartoon creation.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for comic creation.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for comedy creation.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat teaches a user how to create animations.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for character creation and storyline development.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for image layering and caption creation.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides text message sharing of a creation.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides email message sharing of a creation.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides social media sharing of a creation.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for multi-player creation play.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides layering and peer to peer play.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides score tracking.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides gamification engagement.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for true photo manipulation, in which the systemtransforms a real photo into a colorable plurality of layers.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for true image manipulation, in which the systemtransforms a real photo into a colorable plurality of layers.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for artwork uploading.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides photo uploading.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides photo uploading from social media and other platforms.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat digitizes real world works and layers into lines and separations oflayers for coloring.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for the creation of personalized eCards for birthdays,holidays, and other special occasions.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for event creation and invites.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides custom announcements.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for responses to event creation and/or invites.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat can layer real images in with coloring layers.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides superimposing.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides ambient noise.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides dialogue recording and playback.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides optical illusions.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides for sticker design and creation.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides the ability to turn colors on and off.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides the ability to dim and brighten colors, or turn them offaltogether.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides virtual reality.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides virtual reality interactions with sequence.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides augmented reality.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an interactiveillustration system, interactive animation system, and method of usethat provides layering of coloring over and/or under real worldenvironments.

Systems that embody the disclosure, in accordance with the aspectsthereof, are typically designed by describing their functions inhardware description languages. Therefore, the present disclosure isalso embodied in such hardware descriptions, and methods of describingsystems as such hardware descriptions, but the scope of the presentdisclosure is not limited thereby. Therefore, these and other objects ofthe disclosure are hereby considered, not only those limited to thosefound in this summary of disclosure section, but as can be foundthroughout the scope of this specification and accompanying documents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure; the view showing a user accessing a graphical userinterface and selecting an illustration having a plurality of layers anda plurality of animations, via a gallery.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure; the view showing a layer having a plurality ofsegments, a plurality of captions, a plurality of associatedsoundscapes, a plurality of three-dimensional segments, and a pluralityof animations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure; the view showing an illustration having at least onelayer and a soundscape, wherein the soundscape is associated with theillustration.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure; the view showing an illustration having at least onelayer and a soundscape, wherein the soundscape is associated with theillustration.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure; the view showing a user accessing a graphical userinterface and selecting an illustration having a plurality of layers anda plurality of animations, via a gallery.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure; the view showing a user accessing a graphical userinterface and selecting an illustration having a plurality of layers anda plurality of animations, via a gallery; the view showing oneassociation of a writer having a queue.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the interactive illustration system;the view showing layers populating subsequently as segments are filledwith color; the view showing a method of creating a narrative.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the interactive illustration system;the view showing layers populating subsequently as segments are filledwith color; the view showing a method of creating a narrative.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the interactive illustration system;the view showing layers populating subsequently as segments are filledwith color; the view showing a method of creating an illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatmechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure(s). The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the disclosure(s) is defined only by the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, front, back, end, sides and the like are referenced according tothe views, pieces and figures presented. It should be understood,however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, andare not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation ofan object or a combination of objects may change without departing fromthe scope of the disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in oneembodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures, databases, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or moreembodiments or examples. In addition, it should be appreciated that thefigures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to personsordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be embodied asan apparatus, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, thepresent disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware-comprisedembodiment, an entirely software-comprised embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore,embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computerprogram product embodied in any tangible medium.

Any combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readablemedia may be utilized. For example, a computer-readable medium mayinclude one or more of a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM) device, a read-only memory (ROM) device, anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) device, aportable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), an optical storagedevice, and a magnetic storage device. Computer program code forcarrying out operations of the present disclosure may be written in anycombination of one or more programming languages. Such code may becompiled from source code to computer-readable assembly language ormachine code suitable for the device or computer on which the code willbe executed.

Embodiments may also be implemented in cloud computing environments. Inthis description and the following claims, “cloud computing” may bedefined as a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demandnetwork access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources(e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned via virtualization and released with minimalmanagement effort or service provider interaction and then scaledaccordingly. A cloud model can be composed of various characteristics(e.g., on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling,rapid elasticity, and measured service), service models (e.g., Softwareas a Service (“Saas”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), andInfrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”)), and deployment models (e.g.,private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud).

The flowchart and block diagrams in the attached figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations,and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions. These computerprogram instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable mediumthat can direct a computer or other programmable data processingapparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructionsstored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufactureincluding instruction means which implement the function/act specifiedin the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present disclosure and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

The following descriptions are in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 12.The present disclosure relates to an interactive illustration system,interactive animation system, and methods of use. The present disclosureprovides a novel entertainment system, and strengthening of mentalacuity. In this way, the present disclosure offers developmental skillstrengthening. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides inmaintaining skills.

The present disclosure provides a novel, interactive system and methodsof use which include gamification elements. Thus, the present disclosureprovides the state of the art with modern, more enjoyable, systemsdesigned to engage users for entertainment, mental development, motorskill and functional development, therapeutic purposes, relaxationassistance, rehabilitation functionality, and hand-eye coordinationmaintenance and practice skills for injured, trauma, and/or aging users,and the like.

Although the disclosure may be explained in relation to examples ofembodiments, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

System

With reference to the figures, an interactive illustration system,interactive animation system, and methods of use 10 are presented(hereafter also known as “interactive illustration system”, “interactionsystem”, “illustration system”, or simply “system”). Interactiveillustration system 10 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design.In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10, may comprise remoteservers, databases, application servers, application databases,application programming interfaces, user databases, event databases,transmission rule databases, rules databases, data transmissioncomponents and/or features, mobile applications, and/or computers, andthe like, that fulfill the functions disclosed herein.

Furthermore, system 10 may also include a user(s) 12, a graphical userinterface 14, a database 15, an application programming interface 16, agallery 18, an animation 40, and a writer 60, among other features,components, and functionality.

User:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may include a user12 and/or a plurality of users 12. In the arrangement shown, a user maybe an individual person, a group of people, and/or an entity such as abusiness, an organization or the like. In this way, and as one example,a user 12 and/or users 12 may be a child or children. In this way, achild can engage with system 10 by coloring in the system, benefitingfrom various activities and interactions with the system 10 whichaccelerate the creativity and fine motor skills development of the childor children.

Furthermore, and as another example, a user 12 may be an adolescentand/or an adult and/or a plurality of adolescents and/or plurality ofadults and/or a combination thereof. In this way, the users 12 canengage with system 10 by coloring in the system, sharing, interactingwith the system 10 (in interactions to be further discussed herein);benefiting from various activities and interactions with the system 10which cause creative activity, hand-eye coordination development and/orstress reduction and/or anxiety reduction.

Furthermore, and as another example, a user 12 may be an elderly personor elderly people. In this way, an elderly person and/or elderly peoplecan engage with system 10 by coloring in the system, and the like,benefiting from various activities and interactions with the system 10which keep minds sharp and maintain various skills from fine motorskills to mental stimulation and mental retention and stimulation.

Graphical User Interface:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes a graphicaluser interface 14. Graphical user interface 14 is formed of any suitablesize, shape, and design and is configured to present the user with aneasy to use display system and easy to use system for creatingillustrations, selecting illustrations from a gallery, sharingillustrations, and the like.

Additionally, graphical user interface 14 is configured to work overnetworks to share and enhance data, generate reports related to an eventand/or illustration data which provide results and/or suggestions forthe performance of a plurality of users and the like. Said another way,graphical user interface 14 is configured to allow users to set uponline scenarios of real world illustrations, preselected illustrations,and the like and engage with the illustrations simultaneously or inturn. In this way, the graphical user interface 14 is the primaryinteraction which allows the user to engage with system 10.Additionally, graphical user interface 14 is configured to provide aplurality of users with access to these services in an easy to use waysuch that a user need not be a highly qualified, and/or expert animatorsso as to perform the functions and creation available within system 10,or any other steps of the process (as disclosed further herein).

Furthermore, graphical user interface 14 provides an easy way for auser, experienced or inexperienced, to upload information to a database,enter information into a database, storing that information, sharingthat information, interpolating this information, and using thatinformation to provide resolutions and/or measurable standardized easyto interpret reports, among other services, as well as mitigationoptions. Graphical user interface 14 is an exemplary method by whichsystems of the present disclosure may represent, provide, connect, book,retrieve, and organize, and report, and more.

Application Programming Interface:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may also include oneor more application programming interfaces (“API”).

Illustration:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 includes anillustration 20 (also known as “drawing”, “fillable image”, “creation”,“interactive creation”, “interactive illustration”, or “animation” insome cases). Illustration 20 is formed of any suitable size, shape, anddesign and references the drawing and/or creation that a user fills in.In other words, illustration 20 refers to the shapes that a user fillswith color. Additionally, and in the arrangement shown, as one example,the illustration 20 may also include layer(s) 26 (to be furtherdiscussed herein), segments 28 (to be further discussed herein), and mayalso include captions 30 (to be further discussed herein), and may alsoinclude sound and/or soundscape 32 (to be further discussed herein),among other features, components, and functionality.

Said another way, the illustration 20 is the primary interactionoverview of what a user will experience, what a user may share, and whata user may interact with, as well as what a user may watch. In one way,an illustration can be thought of as a drawing. In this way, a user willtake a line drawing, for example, and fill in the spaces between thelines (segments 28) with a color of the user's choosing. Furthermore, auser can progress through an illustration 20 in a series of layers 24.

Layer(s): In the arrangement shown, as one example, an illustration 20includes a plurality of layers 24. The plurality of layers 24 are formedof any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to provide asequence of images and potentially an element of surprise to a user. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, as a user fills in the geometricshapes and/or images and/or segments 28 with color and progressesthrough the filling process, more geometric shapes and/or images willappear. Each addition of geometric shapes and/or images, which a usercan fill in and/or that may be pre-filled is considered a unique layer26. In this way, the system 10 can provide a series of layer revealsthat may surprise a user and/or add interest and engagement for a user.Furthermore, this element of progression is utilized as a gamificationfeature in the arrangement shown. The more layers 24 a user fills in,the more the user can progress through the illustration 20.

Strictly for the purpose of explanation, but not limited to, as oneexample, and in the arrangement shown, an illustration 20 is presentedwhich includes a plurality of layers 24. The plurality of layers 24 inthis illustration 20 are formed of varying shapes that provide asequence of images and an element of surprise.

As a more specific example, but without limitation, a user may choose anillustration 20 (from the gallery), the illustration 20 being anillustration 20 depicting a barnyard. The complete barnyard illustration20 contains a plurality of images, these images including a cow,chickens, ducks, horses, sheep, barn, and tractor, among other commonobjects found and/or depicted with the barnyard setting. These varyingimages and/or objects are separated into layers 24 and each layer 24contains a plurality of segments 28. For instance, a first layer 24contains a horse with the following segments 28: head, ears, mane, body,legs, hooves, and tail. As a user fills each segment 28 with color,additional images and/or objects appear on the screen. In this way, auser progresses through the sequence and progresses through the fillingprocess; more and more images and/or objects appear, to the delight ofthe user. Each additional image and/or object which a user can fill inand/or color (that provides a plurality of segments 28) is considered aunique layer 24. In this way, in this example, a user can fill a seriesof layers 24 and the system can reveal subsequent layers 24 thatsurprise a user and add interest and engagement for a user. Furthermore,in this example, the progression of layers 24 in this way utilizesgamification features. The more layers 24 a user fills in, the more theuser can progress through the illustration 20. In this example, a userfills layers 24 with colors, progresses through the plurality of layers24 and completes an illustration 20 when all images and/or objects ofeach layer have been completed.

Additionally, and in the arrangement shown, some illustrations mayinclude prompts. Prompts are formed of any suitable size, shape, anddesign. A prompt indicates to a user when a segment must be completedand/or if a segment hasn't been completed yet when a new layer isdesired. A prompt may be in the form of a pop-up window. A prompt mayalso be in the form of an arrow and/or shaded area to show the user whatsegment is incomplete, and the like.

Additionally, layers and or illustrations on the whole may havecompletion indicators. A completion indicator may be formed of anysuitable size, shape, and design and is configured to visually indicateto a user what percentage of the layer and/or illustration has beencompleted. A completion indicator may be in the form of a numericalpercentage. The completion indicator may be in the form of a completionbar, a combination of a completion bar and percentage, and the like.

Additionally, system 10 may have a number of other features availableduring the illustrative process which include, but are not limited to anundo feature, a draw feature, an erase feature, a trash feature, andmore.

Segment(s): In the arrangement shown, as one example, each illustration20, and more specifically, each layer 24 includes a series of segments28. Segment 28 is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and isconfigured as a blank and/or white space for which a user can add color.In the arrangement shown, segments 28 are formed by lines and/or blacklines which create geometric shapes and/or images. Segments 28 may alsocome pre-filled or may have lines of differing colorings, may haveborders of varying types, may have three-dimensional characteristics,may be lifelike, may be satellite imagery, may be real-world backgroundsand/or images, and/or they may be formed by a real image, or by thewriter 40 (to be further discussed herein).

Caption: In the arrangement shown, as one example, an illustration 20may also include a caption 30. Caption 30 is formed of any suitablesize, shape, design, font, and is configured to provide a type ofexpression for an illustration 20. In this way, a caption is a text orliterary element that can be added to an illustration 20. Caption 30 maybe a typography, meaning the text is a typed out font. Additionally, thecaption 30 may be formed of words made from geometric shapes which mayalso be filled in, and the like.

Sound or Soundscape: In the arrangement shown, as one example, anillustration 20 may also include a sound and/or soundscape 32. Sound 32(or “soundscape”) is generally formed of any audio and/or recordedtransmission. In the arrangement shown, as one example, sound may be amelody, song, or other recording. Additionally, sound 32 may be formedof a recorded message, such as a story being read by a human voice,sound may also be mechanical recording, and the like. In this way, auser can overlay songs and/or tell stories alongside the illustration.

Furthermore, soundscapes 32 can be layered aurally just as images arelayered visually. For example, as a user colors an image in the firstvisual layer 24, the soundscape 32 can play a single instrument. As theuser finishes coloring the first layer 24 and progresses to coloring asecond layer 24, the soundscape 32 will add a second instrument sound tothe mix, and so on. In this way, soundscape 32 can be created by addinginstruments and/or sounds with each layer 24 until the illustration 20is complete. The finished soundscape 32 will include a plurality ofinstruments, sound effects, and/or ambient tracks, creating an auralexperience.

Three-Dimensional Segments: In the arrangement shown, as one example, anillustration 20 may also include three-dimensional segments 34.Three-dimensional segments 34 are formed of any suitable size, shape,and design and may apply to portions or all of an illustration.Additionally, three-dimensional features may require additional hardwareand/or software such as three-dimensional glasses, virtual reality,augmented reality, and the like and these technologies in use with thedisclosure, are hereby considered contemplated for use in conjunctionwith the disclosures made herein.

Gallery: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may alsoinclude a gallery 18. Gallery 18 is formed of any suitable size, shape,and design and is configured as a database and/or collection ofillustration selections. In this way, a user may “enter” the gallery andchoose a piece of work which a user will engage with. Some works of agallery 18 and/or some illustrations of a gallery may reveal onlyportions of the work (work-in-progress), while others may reveal all ofa work.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the gallery 18 includes aplurality of collections of illustrations a user may choose from. Thesecollections include, but are not limited to, animal illustrations,cartoon illustrations, flower illustrations, place illustrations, scenicillustrations, fantasy driven illustrations, mandala illustrations,geometric creation illustrations, optical illustrations,three-dimensional illustrations, and more.

Layer Selections: In another arrangement, system 10 includes layerselections. Layer selections are formed of any suitable size, shape, anddesign and are configured to provide a sense of choice and freedom to auser. In this way, layer selections allow a user to make selectionsabout which layers will populate into an illustration, subsequently tothe current layer. Furthermore, in this way, the layer selection featureprovides for infinite possibilities and expansion of creativity, and adramatic increase in the possibilities of the illustrations which can becreated.

In one arrangement, the layer selection is arranged as a plurality ofselections arranged horizontally along the bottom of the graphical userinterface. In this way, and in one example, a set of five differentlayer selections to be populated are made available to a user. A usermerely needs to click on the layer of choice. The layer selections mayalso include a preview feature so that a user can preview what thatlayer selection may look like if selected to be populated.

In this example, five different layer selection options are presented.However, any other number of options may be made available including twooptions, three options, four options, six options, seven options, eightoptions, nine options, or more options. Additionally, a scroll or dropdown menu may make possible the ease of a great number of subsequentchoices.

Additionally, and in this way, some layers selections includeanimations. In this way, a user may select next steps of animations toadd to the illustration. Similarly the animations may include a previewfeature so that a user can see what the animation will add to theillustration prior to the selection. This preview feature may exist in asmall preview way or may be previewed on the illustration itself.

Close Up Mode & Wide Screen Mode:

In the arrangement shown, the system includes the selection of anillustration. In selecting an illustration, a user may choose not toknow what the full illustration will be. Said another way, when viewingthe gallery to make a selection on an illustration, it may be that onlya small portion of the overall illustration is displayed to a user. Auser can make the selection of the illustration based on this smallportion. In this way, the user will have layers of the remainingillustration and/or animations revealed to the user during the course offilling the colors of the segments and completing the illustration. Thisis known as “close up mode”, such that a user can not see the entiretyof the final illustration.

On the contrary, a user may toggle between close up mode and widescreenmode. In widescreen mode, a user will be able to visually see what theoutlines of the final product and/or final illustration will be. In thisway, a user can select an illustration and/or imagery as desired. Forexample, if a user desires to draw a plant in a pot, then a user mayemploy wide screen mode so that a user can find an illustration of aplant in a pot and then select this illustration. On the contrary, if auser wishes to be surprised by the final illustration and revealing oflayers, then a user merely needs to stay in the close up mode.

Color Palette: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10includes a color palette 36. Color palette 36 is formed of any suitablesize, shape, and design and may have offerings of color in a finite formor infinitive form. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the colorpalette is formed of a selection of several colors for purposes ofdrawing and/or filling in the segments 28. In this way, a user mayselect a color 38 from the color palette 36 and fill that color in asegment 28. Subsequently, a user may select a different, second color 38from the color palette 36 and paint a subsequent segment and/or anotherpart of the same segment with the color.

Additionally, and in the arrangement shown, as one example, the colorpalette 38 may include the ability to blend colors, to select fromdifferent shadings, to select from infinite amounts of colorcombinations, to select from “paint brush” sizes and styles, to erase,and many other features which are customizable to a user and/or goal.Furthermore, and by example, a fill color tool is set as the default. Inthis way, a user simply needs to click on the segment in order to fullyfill that segment with color. However, other means of coloring arehereby contemplated for use which included manual filling, and the like.

Animation:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may also include ananimation 40. Animation 40 is formed of any suitable size, shape,design, length of time, imagery, sequential playback and the like. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, animation 40 is configured toprovide both partial and full animated playback of an animation of anexisting illustration. Furthermore, animation 40 is configured toprovide the ability to a user to create animations using an illustration20. Furthermore, animation 40 is configured to provide teaching aids toa user for the creation of animated playback sequences. In this way, auser can interact with a play and/or pause button to play animation ofthe segments 28, layers 24, and/or illustration 20 they have completedor are in the process of completing.

Furthermore, each segment 28 can be colored multiple times withoverlapping colors so a user can create an animation 40 that changescolors in any, or all, segments 28 of an image before progressing to thenext layer of an illustration 20.

Animated Playback Sequence: In the arrangement shown, as one example,system 10 includes an animation functionality 40. Included in theanimation functionality 40 is an animated playback sequence 42. Theanimated playback sequence 42 may be formed of any sequence and may bepartial or full playback of layers or of an illustration 20 depending onthe completion percentage of the illustration 20. In this way, a usermay complete a segment 28 and then press a playback sequence 42. Apartial or full animation may take place. In this way, a user can havemore interaction with the illustration 20 that they are creating beyondfilling colors. A user, in this way, can create short movie type clipsand or full animations based on the illustration they are creating.

Original Works:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may include originalworks. Original works are formed of any suitable size, shape, anddesign. Original works, in the arrangement shown, are any form oforiginal work which a user uploads to system 10. In this way, and assome examples, an original work may be a picture uploaded to system 10,may be a picture captured on a smart device using system 10, may be avideo clip and/or series of images uploaded, and/or may be a videoand/or series of images captured utilizing system 10.

As one example, a user may capture an image of their pet dog. A user mayeither capture this image utilizing the functionality of system 10, or auser may upload a previously captured image. The writer 60 of system 10will then break the image into layers and break the layers intosegments, such that a user can color the segments and create a cartoonor colored image of the image they captured. Similarly, a user maycapture a short video of their pet dog running. The writer 60 will thenbreak the video into an animated sequence, layers, and segments, suchthat a user can color the illustration and play the animated sequence.

Furthermore, in this example, the writer 60 creates a queue 62 oflayers. In this way, the system 10 will have a specific order in whichlayers appear. This queue 62 is designed to have layers appear in anappealing order as opposed to a random order. This will make theillustration more engaging and manageable.

Furthermore, the present disclosure includes a system for automaticallyseparating the illustration into layers 24, segments 28, and animations40. In this way, the system includes a plurality of algorithms thatrecognize outlines, varying colors, and the like of an illustration sothat the system can quickly (nearly instantaneously), separate layers24, segments 28 and animations 40 and also divide into revealingportions and create an entire color surprise.

Gift:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may include a giftfeature. Gift feature is formed of any suitable size, shape, and designand is configured to allow a user to share a creation. This gifting orsharing functionality may be done through email, share through socialmedia, and share through other features such as messaging and the like.In this way, a user can share creations, package illustrations, shareillustrations created from family images, share illustrations and soundand animations with friends, and the like.

Invitations:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 may include aninvitations feature. Invitations are formed of any suitable size, shape,and design and are configured to share information with a second personand allow that person to respond utilizing system 10. In this way, auser may create an invitation using a custom illustration and/or photoand a receiver of that invitation can indicate a response, such as anRSVP (répondez s'il vous plaît), a yes/no answer, and other responsiveindicators. The sender may also include an additional illustration forthe receiver to color using the interactive illustration system andreturn as the RSVP.

Peer to Peer Linking:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, networking and databases,including cloud and/or information streaming and/or sharing can beutilized such that more than one person can engage with an illustration.In this way, more than one user may engage with an illustration at asingle time or in collaborative turns. In this way, a plurality of usersin various remote locations can collaborate and engage with anillustration as well as one another. In this way, the user creates agame, a social interaction, and the like.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, multiple users can take partin a competition; alternating coloring layers 24 that form anillustration 20 such as coloring an animal, place, or object. In oneexample, the first user to guess the final illustration earns points.This competitive style example of system 10 also includes, as oneexample, an interface for multiple users, in remote locations, tocollaborate and engage on the same illustration 20 (or at least on theappearance of the same, real-time illustration as a group of users.Additionally, system 10 also includes a video chat so that each user cansee the other, communicate with one another through video, audio,textual means as the users collaborate to complete segments 28, layers24, illustrations 20 and animations.

Application Server:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, system 10 comprises remoteservers, databases, and/or computers that fulfill the functionsdisclosed and described herein. In the embodiment depicted, system 10comprises at least one application server. Application server comprisesone or more computer systems adapted to transmit and receive dataregarding selected datasets related to various users and/or datasetsrelated to multiple users. Application server is adapted to a querydatabase with unique identification codes to retrieve data informationand/or parameters related to users, projects, items, textual responses,and more.

Application servers may transmit user data related to layers and ruleswith respect to a single user and/or multiple users. Application serveris also adapted to query a user database. This query includes receivingand sending user identification codes and user data and/or textualresponses. Additionally, the application server may communicate with amobile application, which is adapted to present the user information ina form conducive to being viewed on a mobile device and/or handhelddevice.

As one of ordinary skill in the art may understand, application server,project database, and other databases mentioned herein may beimplemented in one or more servers. Furthermore, each may be on multipleservers to increase system efficiency, especially when handling largedata gathering, data organizing, such as handling global positioning ofa user, following extended rules for various functionality of system 10and/or processing, updating user information, including variousresponses entered.

Additionally, multiple servers may have mirrored data to prevent dataloss in case of disk failure and/or to decrease access and responsetimes for database queries. In alternative embodiments, applicationserver, and other database procedures may be carried out oncomputer-readable instructions and data stored on the customer's mobilecomputing device.

Additionally, system 10 may include a remote server, a computing system,includes an application programming interface (“API”) which includestools and resources enabling a user to operate the embodiments herein,and a cloud computing system.

Computing System:

In one arrangement, as is shown, smart devices and/or system 10 includescomputing systems. Computing system is formed of any suitable size,shape, and design and configured to handle computing operations, as arenecessary for the operation of the computing functionality of system 10.Computing system may be connected with an electronic network and/ordatabase and/or server or cloud via communication means and includes aprocessor, a memory, a microcontroller, a printed circuit board, amicroprocessor, a receiver/transceiver, among other components.

Computing devices may be formed of any computing device capable ofdisplaying and manipulating data in the manners described herein.Computing devices may include for example a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, a tablet, smart phone, or any other computing device or otherinteractive device.

Computing devices may be a single consolidated component, oralternatively, computing devices may be formed of a plurality ofinterconnected components that may be co-located or located at differentgeographic locations. Computing devices may be cloud based or it may behardware based, or cloud capable. In addition, the connected componentsof computing devices, including processor, memory, software andinteractive user display, may be co-located with computing devices orlocated at different geographic locations. That is, computing devicesmay be made of any form of a device or system that individually orcollectively performs the computing operations of system 10.

Printed Circuit Board: In the arrangement shown, as one example, system10 includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”). PCB is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate carryingand/or holding other components and/or parts necessary to carry outvarious computation and/or related functions of system 10. PCB, as oneexample, might be a surface mounted PCB or a through-hole PCB. PCB, asone example, is green and facilitates connecting the components and/orparts of system 10 by the use of traces and or vias. Traces are formedof any suitable size, shape and design and are configured as lineselectrically connecting the components and/or parts of system 10. Viasare formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured asholes that connect layers of traces together. Generally, as in shown,traces and vias are soldered to connect the components and/or parts tothe PCB.

Microprocessor: Microprocessor is any computing device that receives andprocesses information and outputs commands according to instructionsstored in memory. Memory is any form of information storage such asflash memory, RAM memory, a hard drive, or any other form of memory.Memory may be included as a part of or operably connected to amicroprocessor. A receiver/transceiver is connected to a microprocessor.A receiver is used if one way communication is utilized, whereas atransceiver is used if two-way communication is utilized (hereinafter“transceiver”).

Memory: In the arrangement shown, as on example, system 10 includes amemory. Memory may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design andis configured to facilitate selective storage and retrieval of data(including data) in association with computing devices, processor,software and interactive user display. Memory may be a single component,such as a single chip or drive or other memory device, or alternativelymemory may be formed of a plurality of memory or storage components thatare connected to one another that may be co-located or located atdifferent geographic locations.

Methods of Use:

As one example, an interactive illustration system, interactiveanimation system, and methods of use are presented in this disclosurefor the purpose of disclosing an interactive illustration system. Theinteractive illustration system and one example of a method of use isthe following.

Image Layering:

As one example, a user may log into the system via a graphical userinterface. A user will then select a pre-loaded illustration from agallery of illustrations. Once selected, a portion of the illustrationwill appear in front of the user. This portion of the illustration is alayer. This layer will have one or more segments that appear. A userwill then select a color from the color palette. A default color sizewill be selected for a user. The user will then fill in the space of thesegment. A user may change colors by selecting different colors from thepalette. A user will fill in all segments of the layer. A second layerwill then populate which adds segments to those already existing, suchthat a first layer and a second layer are presented to a user and theuser can fill all the segments in with colors of the first and secondlayer. Subsequent layers may be presented depending on the illustrationselected. In other words, the layering process continues, revealing andexpanding the illustration behind and/or coinciding each layer.Illustrations may be formed of 1 or many layers. In an alternative, auser need not wait for completion of a first layer, and may revealsubsequent layers by clicking on a reveal button.

Animated Sequence Playback:

As another example, system 10 provides for animated sequence playback.In this way, a user can watch an animated sequence. In this way, a usermay play an animation of the illustration for which they have colored.Additionally, the illustration need not be completed. In this way, auser can watch an animated sequence playback of partially completedillustrations. After watching the playback, a user can make changes tocompleted portions and/or finish uncompleted portions. This process canbe repeated several times. This process can be repeated until all layers24 of an illustration 20 have been filled.

In other words, animated sequence playback can be engaged by a user atany completion percentage point during the coloring process.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback:

As another example, system 10 provides for image layering with animatedsequence playback. In this way, a user combines both the methods of usefor having a plurality of layers and the image layering process asoutlined herein, plus the animated sequence playback feature as outlinedherein.

In other words, a user may log into the system via a graphical userinterface. A user will then select a pre-loaded illustration from agallery of illustrations. Once selected, a portion of the illustrationwill appear in front of the user. This portion of the illustration is alayer. This layer will have one or more segments that appear. A userwill then select a color from the color palette. A default color sizewill be selected for a user. The user will then fill in the space of thesegment. A user may change colors by selecting different colors from thepalette. A user will fill in all segments of the layer. A second layerwill then populate which adds segments to those already existing, suchthat a first layer and a second layer are presented to a user and theuser can fill all the segments in with colors of the first and secondlayer. Subsequent layers may be presented depending on the illustrationselected. In other words, the layering process continues, revealing andexpanding the illustration behind and/or coinciding each layer.Illustrations may be formed of 1 or many layers. In an alternative, auser need not wait for completion of a first layer, and may revealsubsequent layers by clicking on a reveal button.

Subsequently, a user can engage in animated sequence playback of one ormore layers. In this way, a user can watch an animated sequence. In thisway, a user may play an animation of the illustration for which theyhave colored. Additionally, the illustration need not be completed. Inthis way, a user can watch an animated sequence playback of partiallycompleted illustrations. After watching the playback, a user can makechanges to completed portions and/or finish uncompleted portions. Thisprocess can be repeated. This process can be repeated until all layers24 of an illustration 20 have been filled.

Image Layering with Caption Creation:

As another example, a user may log into the system via a graphical userinterface. A user will then select a pre-loaded illustration from agallery of illustrations. Once selected, a portion of the illustrationwill appear in front of the user. This portion of the illustration is alayer. This layer will have one or more segments that appear. A userwill then select a color from the color palette. A default color sizewill be selected for a user. The user will then fill in the space of thesegment. A user may change colors by selecting different colors from thepalette. A user will fill in all segments of the layer. A second layerwill then populate which adds segments to those already existing, suchthat a first layer and a second layer are presented to a user and theuser can fill all the segments in with colors of the first and secondlayer. Subsequent layers may be presented depending on the illustrationselected. In other words, the layering process continues, revealing andexpanding the illustration behind and/or coinciding each layer.Illustrations may be formed of 1 or many layers. In an alternative, auser need not wait for completion of a first layer, and may revealsubsequent layers by clicking on a reveal button.

Subsequently and/or in conjunction with, a user may engage in captioncreation. In this way, once a user has finished coloring all of thelayers of the illustration, they can add captions and/or language to acreation. In this way, a user may add wording, whether typography or thelike, and add humor, a story, a theme, and the like, such as a comicstrip would be created.

Image Layering with Multi-User Engagement:

As another example, a user may log into the system via a graphical userinterface. A user will then select a pre-loaded illustration from agallery of illustrations. Once selected, a portion of the illustrationwill appear in front of the user. This portion of the illustration is alayer. This layer will have one or more segments that appear. A userwill then select a color from the color palette. A default color sizewill be selected for a user. The user will then fill in the space of thesegment. A user may change colors by selecting different colors from thepalette. A user will fill in all segments of the layer. A second layerwill then populate which adds segments to those already existing, suchthat a first layer and a second layer are presented to a user and theuser can fill all the segments in with colors of the first and secondlayer. Subsequent layers may be presented depending on the illustrationselected. In other words, the layering process continues, revealing andexpanding the illustration behind and/or coinciding each layer.Illustrations may be formed of 1 or many layers. In an alternative, auser need not wait for completion of a first layer, and may revealsubsequent layers by clicking on a reveal button.

Subsequently and/or in conjunction with, a user may engage in sharing,via a network or sharing through the same graphical user interface, bytaking turns in layering, or engaging in some of the predefined rulesset up with certain illustrations which may have a numbering system orthe like such that a first user is to color a first layer, and a seconduser is to color a second layer, or perhaps a first user is to coloreven numbered segments and a second user is to cover odd numberedsegments.

Image Layering with Multi-user gamification: Furthermore, a matter ofgamification elements may be defined wherein a leaderboard and/orcompetition exists. This gamification element can cause competition andthe like between users by tracking and reporting the number of segmentsa user has filled, the percentage of an illustration a plurality ofusers have completed, among other metrics and the like.

Image Layering with Original Artwork: Subsequently and/or in conjunctionwith, a user may engage in uploading original content. A user can uploadan original image and/or video. The writer of system 10 then breaks downthe original image into layers and segments for the user and/or users tocolor in and/or animate. Similarly, a user can upload a video, such thatthe writer can break the video into animation and layers for coloringand interacting with playback. Additionally, a user may upload a handdrawing which the writer will break down into segments and/or layers tobe colored in digitally. In this way, Image Layering with OriginalArtwork and Animated Sequence Playback can be achieved.

Sharing:

Animated Sequence Playback with Customized Gifts: As another example,and in addition to above, a user may create an animated sequence and/orselect a pre-created animated sequence to share as a gift to a seconduser and/or third party. In this way, a user may create an animatedsequence through image layering and/or caption creation, and/or animatedsequence creation and subsequently share this creation. This sharing canbe complete via a text message, an email message, and/or various socialmedia platforms.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Custom eCards:

As another example, and in addition to above, a user may create ananimated sequence and/or select a pre-created animated sequence to shareas a custom eCard to transmit to a second user and/or third party, andplurality of users and/or plurality of third parties. In this way,eCards can be used for a variety of special occasions, including but notlimited to, birthdays, holidays, graduation, sympathy, andanniversaries. In this way, a user may create an animated sequencethrough image layering and/or caption creation, and/or animated sequencecreation and subsequently share this creation. This sharing can becomplete via a text message, an email message, and/or various socialmedia platforms.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback with Invitations:

As another example, and in addition to above, a user may create ananimated sequence and/or select a pre-created animated sequence to shareas an invitation to a second user and/or third party and/or plurality ofusers and/or plurality of third parties. In this way, a user may createan animated sequence through image layering and/or caption creation,and/or animated sequence creation and subsequently share thisinvitation. This sharing can be complete via a text message, an emailmessage, and/or various social media platforms.

Subsequently, the system provides a means for a second user and/or thirdparty to respond to the invitation by some indication. As one example,this is a yes or no indication. In another example, this is an RSVP-typeselection. In another example, this may be a numerical indication. Theseand other types of responses, as a user may choose, can be an indicatorto an invitation.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Custom Announcements:

Similarly, and as another example, and in addition to above, a user maycreate an animated sequence and/or select a pre-created animatedsequence to share as an announcement to a second user and/or thirdparty. In this way, a user may create an animated sequence through imagelayering and/or caption creation, and/or animated sequence creation andsubsequently share this creation. This sharing can be complete via atext message, an email message, and/or various social media platforms.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Art Books:

As another example, and another method of use for system 10, imagelayering and/or animated sequence playback functionalities (as discussedherein) can be utilized to create custom online photo books and/orcustom online art books. These books may be random or may be dedicatedto a particular event, and the like.

Image Layering with Soundscape Integration and/or Dialogue Integration:

Similarly, and as another example, and in addition to above, a user maycreate an image layered illustration and/or a pre-created image layeringand introduce sounds. These sounds can be incorporated into the animatedsequence playback and/or layering in the form of music, dialogue,recorded dialogue, white noise, and/or other sound effects.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Dialogue Integration:

Similarly, and as another example, and in addition to above, a user maycreate an image layered illustration and/or an animated sequence and/orselect a pre-created animated sequence and introduce sounds. Thesesounds can be incorporated into the animated sequence playback and/orlayering in the form of music, dialogue, recorded dialogue, white noise,and/or other sound effects.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Optical IllusionIntegration:

Similarly, and as another example, and in addition to above, a user maycreate an image layered illustration and/or an animated sequence and/orselect a pre-created animated sequence and introduce optical illusions.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Sticker Creation:

Other methods of use may include sticker generation. In this way a userwould generate stickers from the illustrations the user creates. Othergenerations might include merchandise creation, such as t-shirts,baseball caps, and the like.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Color Controls:

Another method of use includes color controls. Said another way, colorcontrols provide a means for a user to turn layers and/or segments onand/or off such that a color may not appear, even if completed until thefinal product is ready for viewing and/or the entire illustration hasbeen completed. Color Controls also provides a user the ability tobrighten and/or dim colors in a layer 24 or illustration.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Virtual RealityIntegration:

Yet another method of use includes virtual reality integrations. Saidanother way, a user may engage with the illustration and/orthree-dimensional illustration virtually. In this way, a user can colorimages in a virtual world with arm movements and the like. Additionally,a user may color three-dimensional images and the like and have virtualreality playback.

Image Layering with Animated Sequence Playback and Augmented RealityIntegration:

Similarly, and as another method of use includes augmented realityintegrations. Said another way, a user may engage with the illustrationand/or three-dimensional illustration both in the real world andvirtually. In this way, a user can color images in a virtual world witharm movements and the like. Additionally, a user may colorthree-dimensional images and the like and have virtual reality playback.

Method of Creating an Illustration:

As another example, a method of creating an illustration is included.Various methods are included for creating the various types ofillustrations. For example, an illustration may be created by breaking awork into a plurality of layers. This is completed by tracing theoutline of the object desired to be on a layer. Subsequently, the objectoutlined will be assigned to a layer. In this way, objects can be madeto appear in certain orders. The process can be very complex as layersmust be populated in a particular narrative which makes sense to a user.Similarly, illustrations can have animations which adds an added layerof complexity.

Method of Creating a Narrative:

As another example of methods of using the system herein. Stories can begenerated and told using the layering system. In one example, a comicalnarrative is created which reveals portions of an illustration at eachlayer of each sequence. In this way, humor, and other storytellingmethods can be enacted through the disclosure herein.

Method of Narrative Playback/Animation Playback/Learning Tool:

As another example of methods of using the system herein. Short clipsand/or long clips of narratives can be created and subsequently used asentertainment clips. In this way, a creator can create a short clipusing the disclosure herein. The creator can then post this clip forothers to view. In this way, a viewer can view the clip which willreveal itself in layers and/or in ways disclosed by the system herein,such as through layered sound and the like. In this way, a user cancreate a narrative which will play and can be repeatedly played forviewers.

Similarly, this narrative can be a layered animation sequence which canbe viewed as an advertisement, as a story, as a comedic sketch, and thelike. In this way, a creator can easily create dynamic, animation-likesequences of scenes with little or no experience in animation technologyand functionality. This hybrid, dynamic technology for creating anarrative can also serve as a learning tool and/or bridge from takingsomeone with no experience, and filling a long existing gap in the stateof the art, such that an amatuer and/or someone with no experience cancreate animations and/or narratives. Said another way, this method ofuse provides a creator the ability to create a narrative without havingto have the expertise of a very experienced animator and without havingto dedicate large amounts of time into animation creation. Furthermore,this method of use provides a learning experience which can help acreator understand how to create animations, such that a novice creatorcan gain expertise and experience in moving toward being a masteranimation artist.

As another example of this method of use, and as just one example, acreator may create a narrative based on several layers in which more andmore layers are revealed and perhaps sounds and animations are alsorevealed. This narrative can be posted and/or sent to others forviewing. One method of providing the ability for others to view thenarrative is to post on social media, send through email, send throughtext messaging, or simply to playback the narrative. These and othermeans of sharing a narrative are hereby contemplated for use.

As another example of this method of use, and as just one example, anadvertiser may wish to create an advertisement and/or humorousnarrative. Narratives can be created for advertising animated movies andthe like, in this way, far before any animations have actually beencompleted. Professional animation artists may spend months creating ashort movie trailer which is only 10-30 seconds long. In this way, andin this method, movie trailers and the like can be created in a fractionof the time such that advertisements can be put out and/or narrativesposted. This method does not only apply to movie trailers, but anynarrative which desires to be created, such as a narrative which revealsa product which could be a bike, a kids toy, a food, a restaurant andthe like. These advertisements and narratives are also herebycontemplated for use, in addition to entertainment value narratives andthe like.

These and other methods of use and processes are hereby contemplated foruse.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this disclosure (especially various programmablefeatures). All such modifications and changes fall within the scope ofthe claims and are intended to be covered thereby.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for creating, the system comprising: aplurality of illustrations; each of the plurality of illustrationshaving a plurality of layers; each of the plurality of layers having aplurality of segments; a color palette; the color palette having aplurality of colors; a writer; wherein the writer sorts each of theplurality of layers; a queue; wherein the queue presents the pluralityof layers in a predetermined order; wherein a subsequent layer of theplurality of layers is populated when each of the plurality of segmentsof a current layer of the plurality of layers is filled with a color ofthe plurality of colors; wherein at least one of the plurality of layersis an animation sequence.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:a prompt; wherein the prompt notifies a user when at least one segmentof the plurality of segments has not been filled in with one of theplurality of colors.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aprompt; wherein the prompt notifies a user when at least one segment ofthe plurality of segments has not been filled in with a color; whereinthe subsequent layers are not presented until all segments of theplurality of segments of the current layer of the plurality of layersare completed.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: wherein theanimation sequence is formed of a series of layers.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: an animation sequence playback button;wherein the triggering of the playback button causes the animationsequence to play.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: agraphical user interface; wherein the graphical user interface providesfor a user to fill in the plurality of segments with the plurality ofcolors; wherein the color is selected from the color palette.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the animation sequencedisplays on a graphical user interface a progression of a user'scoloring experience; wherein the animation sequence displays on agraphical user interface the plurality of segments being filled with theplurality of colors as the user had previously filled the plurality ofsegments; wherein the animation sequence displays on a graphical userinterface the plurality of layers revealing in a populated order fromthe queue.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a previewfeature.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality oflayer options; wherein a user can select the next layer to populate intoan illustration from a plurality of layer options.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: wherein the subsequent layers are notpresented until all segments of the plurality of segments of the currentlayer of the plurality of layers are completed.
 11. The system of claim1, further comprising: a skip to next layer feature.
 12. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: an ownership feature; wherein the ownershipfeature identifies the creator of the animation sequence.
 13. A systemfor an interactive illustration creation, the system comprising: aplurality of illustrations; each of the plurality of illustrationshaving a plurality of layers; each of the plurality of layers having aplurality of segments; a color palette; the color palette having aplurality of colors; a writer; wherein the writer sorts each of theplurality of layers; a queue; wherein the queue presents the pluralityof layers in a predetermined order; wherein a subsequent layer of theplurality of layers is populated when each of the plurality of segmentsof a current layer of the plurality of layers is filled with a color ofthe plurality of colors; wherein the writer sorts the plurality oflayers into the queue; wherein the queue populates the plurality oflayers into the illustration at a set of predetermined completionphases; wherein at least one of the plurality of layers is an animationsequence.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising: a plurality ofsoundscapes; each of the plurality of soundscapes having a plurality ofaural layers.
 15. The system of claim 13, further comprising: aplurality of soundscapes; each of the plurality of soundscapes having aplurality of aural layers; wherein the writer sorts each of theplurality of aural layers; wherein the plurality of soundscapes areconfigured from a list including: music, sound effects, and ambientsounds.
 16. The system of claim 13, further comprising: a soundscape;the soundscape being a recorded dialogue; wherein the soundscape can beimposed upon the illustration.
 17. The system of claim 13, furthercomprising: wherein the animation sequence and the queue present atleast one of the layers more than once; wherein subsequentrepresentations of the at least one of the layers show at least onesegment filled with a different color than the at least one segmentdisplayed on a first representation of the animation sequence.
 18. Thesystem of claim 13, further comprising: wherein a plurality of layersare populated simultaneously.
 19. A method for displaying a narrative,comprising the steps: displaying on a graphical user interface anillustration system; populating an illustration sequence; filling asegment of a layer of a plurality of layers of the illustrationsequence; populating a subsequent layer of an illustration sequence;revealing a narrative formed of the illustration sequence.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising: displaying a dynamicillustration sequence on a graphical user interface; sharing theanimated sequence with a user; opening a graphical user interface whichdisplays an interactive illustration system; selecting an illustrationfrom a gallery, the gallery having a plurality of preloadedillustrations; selecting a color from a color palette; wherein a userselects the color; filling a segment of a layer of a plurality of layersof an illustration with the color; populating a subsequent layer of theplurality of layers of the illustration; selecting a second color fromthe color palette, wherein a user selects the second color; filling atleast one segment of the subsequent layer of the plurality of layers ofthe illustration; revealing the narrative.